Sunday, November 7, 2010

Last Christmas I attended an open house at a place called Elements Theraputic Massage. They offer a massage membership where you get one 55 minute massage a month at the reasonable rate of $59. You can also buy more massages at that discounted rate. If you don't use it one month, it carries over to the next.

Anyway, I entered a drawing and ended up winning a year's worth of monthly massages! That's right--every month since last December (except for two that I missed--boo hoo) I go in for 55 minutes of bliss. There are a number of therapists there--you can move around and find the best one for you.

I have loved every minute of it and am so sad that my year is coming to an end. If you have the financial means, I highly recommend signing up for a membership! The massage is way better than any I've received at a salon and the price is much lower as well.

Here is their website: touchofelements.com. They are located in Eden Prairie, off 169 and Pioneer Trail.

Go to plumdistrict.com in the next 7 hours and sign up for online cooking school! I signed up and am super excited. I unfortunately lack the most basic of skills--how to cook chicken, how to saute veggies, how to bake bread. I am looking forward to trying this out. $50 for a whole year's worth of access to the content!

I am selling a pair of Skechers Shape-ups. I wore them just a few times on the treadmill--they look brand new! They are size 9, colors are gray and pink. I joined the barefoot revolution (more on that later) and no longer need these. I'm asking for $50 which is over half off! They retail for $109 right now. Could be a good Christmas gift for someone?

Friday, October 29, 2010

Job Description: Long term players needed for challenging permanent work in an often chaotic environment. Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call. Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in faraway cities. Travel expenses not reimbursed. Extensive courier duties also required.

Responsibilities: Must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf (this time). Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers. Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects. Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks. Must be willing to be indispensable one minute and an embarrassment the next. Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly. Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap plastic toys and battery operated devices. Must always hope for the best but always be prepared for the worst. Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product. Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout facility.

Possibility for Advancement & Promotion: None. Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills so that those in your charge will ultimately surpass you.

Wages & Compensation: You pay them and offer them raises and bonuses. A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 with the assumption that college will help them become financially independent. When you die, you give them whatever is left. The oddest thing about this reverse salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.

Benefits: No health or dental insurance, pension, tuition reimbursement, paid holidays or stock options are offered. However, this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth, free hugs and kisses for life. It is one of the most rewarding things you will ever do and is an investment in eternity!

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Do you get frustrated by the crappy drivers out there? Some days I can ignore it pretty well but other days make me seethe. But of course, I am never a crappy driver--right? ;)

I'm pretty sure that isn't true but I do try to follow the rules most of the time (except that irritating speed limit one). Today I nearly got broadsided by a guy who decided it was his turn to go (it wasn't). I put my hand up as he drove past to say "Dude, seriously?" (no, my middle finger was NOT extended). The silverhaired gentleman did the same to me as he roared past. Which then of course makes me wonder why he seemed to think he had the right of way. Maybe he knew he didn't and figured he could intimidate me into not going. It worked.

Everyday I make a vow to myself as I head out in my car--I vow to just ignore the stupid people around me and not take it personally. It has yet to actually work but it is a good start, right?

Is it possible to become immune to the itchy bite of the mosquito? I used to get chewed alive every summer and itch like crazy. However, I've noticed in the last few years that although they land on me and bite me, I never actually get any itchy bites. What's up with that? Alas, my poor children are not so lucky. I had to reassure people a few weeks ago that Olivia was just bit up, not suffering from chicken pox!

Saturday, September 11, 2010

A few years ago, Emily and JT created a Louwsma Dictionary to capture all the words and phrases our family uses. I still laugh as I read it, not just for the content but at the descriptions used. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

Even a blind squirrel finds a nut:lucky; to discount one's achievement and to attribute it to good fortune.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

For a special treat today, I took the kids to Applebee's for lunch. It was mostly because I had coupons for two free kids meals and being waited on sounded like fun to me.

It didn't go as well as I had hoped. First, the table we were at had a big poster of The Wizard of Oz over it--I love that movie but Pibs was not a fan of the poster. She just kept staring at it and shrinking away. The Wicked Witch of the West is not her cup of tea.

Then, right as the server was setting our food down, we heard a huge crash! Turns out an elderly woman had driven into the side of the building. She was trying to park and my guess is she stepped on the gas instead of the brake. She cleared one of those cement bumpers, the curb, plowed down a sign and damaged the outside of the building. All without any visible damage to her car.

The driver had her seat belt on and if she had been alone, it would have just been a very embarrassing situation. Unfortunately, the passenger did not have her seat belt on and went nearly all the way through the windshield. The hostess flipped out (understandably) and called 911. The manager started running around with towels and whatnot and a few diners ran outside to help. The police and ambulance showed up quickly and got the passenger out of the car and to the hospital. The tow truck came and dragged the car out of its resting place. Aside from the damage to the building, you wouldn't know it happened.

But unfortunately, I looked at it as we were walking out. The windshield was bloody and there was a perfect circle popped out of it, exactly the size of a head. Yikes. If that is what can happen in a low speed accident, imagine if the car had been driving down the highway! I cannot fathom why people would not wear their seat belt.

Needless to say, I brought two kids meals home with me. The kids didn't even take a bite of their food--they were way too distracted by all the commotion to eat. I hope that passenger is okay.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

I have tossed the idea of getting a small tattoo around for quite some time. A few years ago, I was almost ready to pull the trigger but didn't. Now I am thinking of it again. Do you have a tattoo? Are you happy about it or regretful?

I'm thinking of getting something very small on the top of my foot, right by where flipflop straps would be. Maybe my kids names, birthdays or maybe a Jesus fish. I don't want to just get something for the sake of getting something--I want it to mean something, you know?

Tell me your tattoo stories!

P.S. I almost got my nose pierced a few years ago and still wish I had gone through with it. Maybe when I turn 35! :)

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

iTunes got hacked and our information was likely some that was taken. We have over $6,000 in fraudulent charges on our credit card that is now being dealt with. A salesperson from a store in Las Vegas called OUR HOME NUMBER this afternoon to see if an order with our name, address and phone number on it was legit. I am so irritated and freaked out right now! How creepy is this?

Monday, July 12, 2010

Yes, I have been a stay at home mom for almost 6 years now and am just now trying a daily schedule. Last week I had a raincloud over my head all week about being a mom and I was just miserable. After I got tired of feeling angry and chaotic all the time I hit google for some help.

I found a GREAT blog (http://blog.wantingwhatyouhave.com/)--it is full of great organization info and very well-written. It has tons of other great stuff--I highly recommend you check it out.

Anyway, being an inconsistent and unscheduled person, I took a stab at a daily schedule. Today was our first day trying it out and I must say, it was a success! We certainly didn't keep to it perfectly but it gave us a guideline for the day. I think it was better for the kids to know what to expect and it kept me focused on what I need to be doing. I didn't have to do as much disciplining as usual and Ethan didn't complain nearly as much.

I posted a copy of the schedule in the kitchen so that Jay knows the plan as well. It is helpful because I am often working in the evenings so he has to go it alone.

Here it is, in case you want to make one of your own!

Daily Schedule8:00 Everybody up! Get dressed and brush teeth.8:15 Breakfast at counter9:00 Leave for gym11:00 Home from gym11:15 Mom makes lunch11:30 Lunch at table12:00 Play time in basement1:00 Quiet time2:30 1:1 with Ethan3:00 Wake up Pibs, have snack4:00 Tidy up main floor4:30 Mom makes dinner5:00 Dinner at table5:30 Mom cleans up kitchen6:00 Play time outside or in basement7:45 Snack at counter8:00 Brush teeth, put on jammies, read books8:30 Lights out!

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

We have a bit of a problem in our house. It's a result of too much TV/movies/Wii/etc. Ethan has forgotten how to play and use his imagination and as you can imagine, I am sinking under the weight of the guilt. I know this is mostly my fault--being at home all day with a highly curious and talkative kid wears me down and many times it is easier to just point him to the nearest electronic. It also doesn't help that now I have two crazy kids trying to kill each other all day and said electronics really lower the intensity level of life.

He just had a gigantic meltdown due to never getting what he wants (HA!) so I have taken all electronics away. Now I'm screwed because I don't know what to do all day. Help me readers!

What do you do with your kids? Do you play with them all day? Do you provide activities for them and let them loose? I admit, I am not much of a playing mom. I don't enjoy it and I'm not good at it. I will read to you and do crafts and you can always count on me to get my hair wet at the pool but I will not build legos with you and I will not play cars. So where does this leave me?

The irony of all this is that I regularly watch TV while using the computer. I am just as guilty of overusing electronics as Ethan is. I told him that I would try to cut way down on my consumption as well, that we could do it together. That seemed to help a little.

BTW, we have a finished basement full of toys and that is still not enticing enough for them to play. They much prefer to be within a two foot radius of me all day and it is making me bananas! I need to get this playing situation ironed out so I can restore order in this house!

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

I have a summer cold. For some reason, summer colds are so much worse than winter colds. Why is that? The coughing is by far the worst part. I wouldn't mind the stuffiness and lethargy so much if I wasn't wetting my pants every five seconds from coughing. That's one of the things they don't make clear to you about having kids. I have apologized to my mom for ridiculing her for this very problem before I had kids. :)

I have spent the majority of this morning in bed. Ethan is at Gummie's house and Pibs is spending quality time with PBS Kids. I need to get better because we are going camping this weekend and if I don't quit coughing so much they will kick me out of the campground!

On a unrelated note, I am starting to feel harassed by the other Rachel Olsons out there. From what I can tell, there are at least three that apparently can't remember their email address and just put mine down. Ladies, I have had this address for 8 years! It is 2010--getting your email address wrong is unacceptable. We've all been doing this email thing for a while now. I get job application confirmations, library overdue notices, invitations to join Facebook to look at pictures, online purchase confirmations and of course, the very personal family emails about Grandpa's surgery and how cute little Pookie is. All this is annoying but bearable. However, my nemisis(es?) have upped the ante. Now I am getting tons of unsolicted ad emails. All of them are addressed to rachel.olson@gmail.com which no one would use to get a hold of me. I have created a filter in gmail to try to prevent these from even coming to my inbox so we'll see how it goes. I have tried to contact the correct person many times--they either don't get my messages or don't care. So I'm done. All their crap is getting deleted and it can be their problem figuring out why they didn't get their mail. I am not the Postmaster General of gmail! But seriously, do you think it is crazy that a person would give the wrong email address out multiple times? Wouldn't they eventually figure out that they got it wrong and try to correct it? Especially when applying for a job? It befuddles me.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

You probably read about that huge accident yesterday involving a bee truck. 2 women lost their lives. One was a 24 year old Bethel employee who was expecting her first child. Though they haven't released all the details of the accident, it seems clear that the 2 women (in different cars) were hit from behind by another truck and were crushed. A moment of inattention has changed 3 lives forever.

This was on my mind all day as I drove around town. The truth is, people on the roads are crazy. I am guilty of being one of them from time to time, I admit. I nearly got sideswiped by a guy this morning who changed lanes in front of me with no blinker--I had to hit the brakes to keep from being hit. Of course he had his Bluetooth shoved into his ear so he probably didn't think to see if anyone was next to him before moving over.

I too can be a crazy person on the road. I've had many moments I'm not proud of but of course I usually feel like I had a good reason for doing whatever I did. But I still am embarrassed by my behavior later. Is it the anonimity of the road that makes it easy for us to drive crazy?

Bottom line--pay attention out there. Most people don't seem to have a clue how their driving behavior affects the people around them. If we would all keep in mind the fact that we need to be aware of our situation at all times, this world would have less accidents. I have been hit 3 times in the past 5 years, all by drivers just not paying attention. That is 3 times too many.

Friday, May 21, 2010

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

What happened to spring? Is weather confusion a sign of climate change?

Not much happening in the Olson house these days. Here are a few highlights:

-Olivia tried to eat a dog biscuit intended for our friends dog. Thankfully Andrew stepped in and kept that item off the list of gross things she has eaten.

-I overslept yesterday but that is not what is interesting about this story. Usually I am on the road to preschool around 8:30 but yesterday we got a later start. Turns out there was a police shooting around 8:30 at the on ramp to the highway---right where I would usually be if I hadn't overslept! Some guy robbed something, carjacked a lady and then stabbed a lady and then got killed by the police right here in my lovely town. Crazy! Not that anything would've happened to us but I definitely wouldn't have wanted my kids to see it go down. I did see the body covered with a sheet on my way back home but didn't bother mentioning this to the kids.

-Olivia and I have really hit our stride as mom and daughter. It started with a mani/pedi while the boys were at a baseball game. Anyone that talks to me regularly knows that Olivia is a delightful yet challenging child. I think I might have figured her out, at least for now. She just wants more one-on-one attention than I was giving her and she doesn't respond to me raising my voice. Now I challenge her to do stuff like, "Bet you can't get those shoes on all by yourself" and then give her tons of praise and high-fives (which she ADORES for some reason). I haven't had to yell at her at all for the last two weeks. I'm happier and I think she is too.

-I got new sneakers and they feel like heaven!

-I conducted a brief experiment with gel nails. Too fancy for me so I got them off after about a month. I am amazed at how wrecked my natural nails are after such a short time! Hopefully they grow back to what they were like before--I used to have to use toenail clippers because they were so thick. Not so right now.

-I am planning to hike the Grand Canyon again in September! Two years ago I hiked it and it darn near beat me so last year I performed the role of hiker wrangler, which was a ton of fun. But this year I've decided to try the hike again; however, I intend to actually prepare for it this time. Maybe by training I will actually be able to walk the day after--anyone care to place a bet? :)

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Have you noticed that whenever the media reports on "immigration", they always leave the word "illegal" out? It has been driving Jay and I crazy. I have no problem with immigration--I do have a problem with illegal immigration, and I have no shame in admitting that. We have channels for legal immigration and if a person chooses to instead cross the border illegally, they have to deal with the consequences of that. But usually you hear illegal immigration lumped in with legal immigration and frankly, that isn't fair to the folks that decided to follow the rules when entering this country.

When you are here illegally, chances are you aren't paying taxes, carrying health insurance or driving with a valid license. How is that fair? Why should we rally for these people? I get that they leave their home country for good reasons but how does that make it okay for them to be here illegally? I was watching footage of one of the rallies that took place yesterday and the one sign said "Stop tearing families apart". I just hate that--the ploy of making you feel like a terrible person for just expecting that immigrants are held to the same standards you are.

We are not the only country that doesn't allow people to just flow in and out of the country. This is why there are passports, work visas, travel visas, etc. But for some reason we are expected to just allow people to flout our laws and then make us look like we are the ones doing something wrong. And unfortunately, it seems like we are starting to believe it.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Jimbo (my dad) leaves today for a few weeks in Africa. He will get the opportunity to travel to Mozambique as well as several other countries. He'll get to see what is happening on the ground with AfricaWorks for the first time since 2008. Please pray for safe travel and personal safety as he visits some not-so-safe areas. Can't wait to hear the news he will bring back!

Sunday, April 25, 2010

This is Olivia. I love her very much but right now she is a very difficult child to be around. This picture captures Olivia perfectly. She is in her jammie shorts (always in shorts, have given up this fight) and snow boots. Her choice, not mine obviously. And she is about to give her friend Cole a beat down. His offense? Nothing more than just being in her territory.

She can be so sweet and fun but can also be completely crazy and emotional. I'm really starting to see how different boys and girls are. Ethan had his issues too but it was pretty straightforward as to how to deal with them. I always knew his currency and was able to deal with behavior issues by taking his favorite toys away from him, and usually only had to do it once. Olivia is a totally different bird. She doesn't seem to learn, discipline and punishment mean nothing to her. The only thing she loves is her blanket and bear but I never take comfort items away--that just seems mean. I think I need to read that strong willed child book. I thought Ethan was strong willed but he's got nothing on her!

Thursday, March 25, 2010

What the H. Lee Mackrel is going on with this healthcare business? I am so befuddled by the whole thing, I give up! No one ever gives details in their reports on how this will affect the healthcare consumers. What a huge waster of time this whole thing is!

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Has anyone ever tried digital scrapbooking? I'm looking into the idea and would like to know if you've heard good things about a particular software. I just can't keep up with my life in pictures and need to figure out a solution.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Has anyone ever tried spray tanning at a tanning place? I'm thinking of doing it before we leave on Friday but am a little nervous that I will look like a streaky mess. Let me know if you have tips or caution for me!

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Back when I worked at Accenture, they joyfully unveiled their new ads with Tiger Woods that told us to "Go ahead, be a Tiger". If only they knew what that would entail!

I watched La Tigre apologize yesterday. He seemed heavily medicated to me. I can't say if it was sincere or not but I'm sure it takes an enormous amount of contrition (or pressure by managers) to get up in front of everyone and come clean.

I was watching "The News" (on E! of course) and Tiger's lady loves are apparently enraged that he didn't include them in his apology. Huh? Aren't these the ladies that entered into a relationship with a married man, knowing full well that he was taken? Why is it, exactly, that he owes them anything at all? Wouldn't it make more sense that they owe his family an apology for helping wreak havoc on their lives? For being a part of the problem?

I have heard them say that they were taken advantage of, were dazzled by his fame. Yeah, cry me a river. Are you or are you not still in control of your choices, even when confronted by a celebrity? Him being famous and possibly having some sort of addiction problem does not excuse deciding to have an affair with him. I don't know that they are to blame for this--if it wasn't them it would've been other women, but I don't think they deserve anything at all. They chose to get interviewed by the tabloids and sell the dirty details for some cash. They have made a bad situation much worse by making sure that his children will someday be able to Google their dad and learn all his kinky sex habits. I think these ladies have realized that they are now the bad guys in this situation and are trying to right their sinking ship. Good riddance to them all. Maybe they will think twice next time they decide to have an affair with a married man.

What do you think about this? Can you tell I have little patience for infidelity?

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Okay, so I sucked it up and scheduled an occupational therapy evaluation for Ethan and his food issues. I felt very good about my decision until I found out how much it is going to cost. Right now he is scheduled at Capable Kids but I need to do some research to see if there are lower price options out there. Our new insurance completely sucks so the amount we have to pay per visit is staggering.

Sunday, January 31, 2010

I got pulled over last night for speeding for the first time in my 16 years of driving! It was about 1 AM; I was coming home from a Scrap n' Crap with Shelly. I was going exactly the speed limit when I was stopped so when the officer asked if I knew why he pulled me over I honestly didn't know. Apparently he clocked me going 56 in a 40! Yikes! I never drive that fast--I thought I was in a 50. He started out being the "tough cop" but quickly became friendly when he realized I hadn't been out at the bars. He let me off without a warning and told me he was looking for something bigger anyway. Then we chatted about my Cricut (scrap tool) and how his fiancee is making him help her make 200 wedding invitations.

This was not how I expected my first stop to go. I am so happy he decided not to ticket me but I am horrified I was paying so little attention to the speed limit! Perhaps my car paid me back for my recklessness because as I pulled away, the tiny crack in my windshield from a rock turned into a huge splinter running the entire width of my windshield.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Today she pulled out two tubes of lip gloss, a battery and a toy car out of her leggings. Not her pockets--her actual leggings. Some of it was down around her ankles. The other day I found a thimble in her pocket that she swiped from my sister's house. And when you look around our house, you'll see evidence of her collections. Baskets full of odds and ends, buckets full of the stuff from my junk drawer, a shopping cart full of treasures in her eye. It is really quite funny and makes me laugh. She totes them around the house like they are the most special things she's found.

I think Ethan's nickname of Beba has been retired. Olivia has been calling him that since she started talking and within the last few days, she will only say Ethan. It makes me a little sad but Ethan is happy--he never liked the name. She is growing up!

Monday, January 11, 2010

BTW--Shannon (Brenda) Daugherty won the cooking contest on Fox 9! Actually, she smoked the competition (along with the smoked trout pate) and got 45% of the vote. They will be getting $3,000 worth of groceries in the next year and will be getting Cambria countertops in their kitchen. And because their kitchen is on the small side they will probably be able to get their bathroom done too! Thanks to all who voted--this is a great win for the Daughertys!

Do you ever wonder what demographic advertisers are trying to hit in the shows you watch? I watch quite a bit on History and Discovery and apparently only seniors watch it. The ads are always for Citrical, The Scooter Store, or Boniva (such a gross name). There must also be a large percentage of people who have beefs with the Social Security Administration or people who have a "structured settlement and they need cash now"--that one comes along with a nice little song that is pretty catchy. Call JG Wentworth, he'll hook you up!

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

I think New Year's resolutions are pretty worthless. They are fun to come up with but really hard to stick with. With that said, I have made a resolution for this year! :)

I resolve to clean out my freezers and my pantry. I have piles of food at my house and no idea what I bought them for or what to do with them. So I let them sit until they spoil or get so freezer burned that they are unidentifiable.

So today I made an inventory of the freezers and the pantry. I posted this inventory on the pantry door. I pulled out some stuff that I knew what to do with for tonight. I am off to a good start!

Does anyone know of a great website where you can put in a few ingredients and it will show you recipes that will work? I know Google does that but I was wondering if there were any actual recipe websites that do that.

BTW, Pibs has polished off an entire can of mandarin oranges since noon today. I found it whilst cleaning the pantry--imagine that!

Monday, January 4, 2010

I am excited to introduce more>>coaching! Starting a coaching business has been a dream of mine for quite some time and I, along with my business partners Sally Foot Reed and Terri Miller, are thrilled that it has finally come to fruition.

more>>coaching exists to help individuals, couples, families, small groups and teams understand their strengths and how they can best put their strengths to work in their lives and their world. We use the StrengthsFinder tool developed by Gallup. When we use our strengths, we feel more engaged, energized and excited about what we do. Understanding our strengths can have a great impact on the way we make decisions and interact with those around us.

more>>coaching offers a unique two session approach. The first session focuses on understanding your strengths; the second session focuses on putting those strengths to work and using them in daily life.

If learning and understanding your strengths sounds like something you or someone you know could benefit from, please connect with me! You can reach me at rachelolson@gmail.com or morecoachinginfo@gmail.com.